Macintouch has a report (23Jul98) from James Spahr that claims he has been able to read and write text/html files to/from a Philips Nino palm-size Windows CE devices' Compact Flash RAM card and his Apple PowerBook 3400.
Wired is reporting that Mexican customs officials have created a "paperwork cutting" technology project that uses "SQL Smart Cards" that can interact with handheld, laptop, and desktop computers. The system is used to enforce trade regulations at select border crossings, and was developed by Centura Technology.
The New Media published for Aug98 has a quick look at NuvoMeida's "yet-to-be-released" RocketBook electronic book technology that is expected to be available by the end of 1998 at a price under US$500. [page 19]
Strata Systems is now shipping Punch List 1.2 -- a project management tool for PalmPilot devices. This version makes it possible to sync data with desktop PCs, and it can fax tasking lists to team members automatically using a desktop PC. Punch List can be purchased online for just under US$180.
The Mobile Advisory Council (MAC) has been announced by its founders and chairs 3Com and Compaq. The consortium was created for "mobile computing and peripherals vendors" to "advocate mobile design requirements to existing standards bodies." Other companies participating include: Acer, Adaptec, Award Software, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, Hitachi, IBM, Phoenix Technologies, SystemSoft, TDK, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, and Xircom.
A recent article (20Jul98) for Federal Computer Week entitled "IT Warfare Test Starts" written by Daniel Verton (page 28) notes in writing and in some pictures the importance that many in the U.S. Military are putting on integrating "warfighters" with mobile handheld computer systems.
John Cox takes a not so positive look at the "Info Appliance Revolution" (which includes many handheld devices) in a front page article of Network World published on 20Jul98.
Curtis Computer Products has announced a new line of handheld PC (HPC) and PalmPilot cases. Their PalmPilot "Flip-Top Leather Carrying Case" retails for US$30.
Calvin Parker has written a new book entitled "The Complete PalmPilot Guide" that is being published by IDG Books Worldwide.
WPI Husky Computers has released a new ruggedized notebook called the "FC-PX5 Color." It is BS2011 compliant; weighs 4.8 pounds; has 16MBs of RAM (max 32MBs), an AMD 133-MHz processor, a 7.8-inch 256 color 640 x 480 touchscreen, and a 150MB "secure" storage device (Type III PC Card). The retail price is US$8340.
Sine of the Times has released a new version of their "project manager" application for the Newton called "BluePrint 2" The software runs on MP2x00 devices (more Newton devices are expected to be added in the future) and a demo (that runs until 15Aug98) is available on their WWW site.
-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)